Warriors training camp preview: James Michael McAdoo

The Golden State Warriors' James Michael McAdoo (20) drives past the Dallas Mavericks' David Lee (42) during the second half on Friday, March 18, 2016, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The Warriors won, 130-112. (Jim Cowsert/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS)

Photo: Jim Cowsert, TNS

In advance of the start of training camp next Tuesday, The Chronicle is analyzing the Warriors player-by-player. This installment focuses on James Michael McAdoo, who still has much to prove.

One of the more overlooked developments of the NBA Finals was the emergence, as subtle as it was, of James Michael McAdoo. After sitting out the entire Western Conference Finals, the reserve forward earned meaningful minutes shoring up Golden State’s frontcourt rotation.

A stacked roster allowed McAdoo to focus on nuances like hedging on picks and switching onto perimeter players. Though he attempted just two shots in a combined 18 minutes against Cleveland, the North Carolina product made enough strides to warrant a chance at a bigger role this season.

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At 6-foot-9, 240 pounds, with a 7-2 wingspan, he is a power forward capable of playing center in smaller lineups. Perhaps his greatest distinction is that he is one of two Warriors players who can guard all five positions (Draymond Green is the other). Last season, it wasn’t uncommon for McAdoo to defend point guards on pick-and-rolls.

A host of questions, of course, still dog the once-prized recruit who went undrafted two years ago: Will McAdoo become more aggressive after finishing last season with the worst defensive-rebounding percentage among Golden State frontcourt players? Can he extend his shooting range beyond five feet? Will McAdoo improve at the foul line, where he made just 53.1 percent of his attempts last season?

Golden State Warriors forward James Michael McAdoo, right, goes up for a shot in front of Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Sunday, March 6, 2016. The Los Angeles Lakers won 112-95. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)

Photo: Kelvin Kuo, AP

This is a man who at one time was considered the top college prospect in the nation. Over the past five years (three with the Tar Heels, two with the Warriors), McAdoo has failed to post the numbers that his size, athleticism and pedigree suggest are possible.

In July, as it rounded out the roster after adding Kevin Durant, Golden State was intrigued enough to re-sign McAdoo to a one-year deal. His best shot at building on the Finals is to mop up minutes as Green’s defensive backup. In a crowded frontcourt, McAdoo’s versatility on that side of the ball sets him apart.

James Michael McAdoo (20) reacts after a teammate hit a three pointer in the first half as the Golden State Warriors played the Los Angeles Clippers at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, March 23, 2016.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Position: Power forward

Ht./Wt.: 6-9/240

The Warriors’ James Michael McAdoo guards Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving in the second quarter during Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

Connor Letourneau moved to the Golden State Warriors beat in September 2016 after a year covering Cal. Previously, he spent two years covering the Oregon State Beavers for The Oregonian. Letourneau is a University of Maryland alum who has interned for The Baltimore Sun and blogged for The New York Times. A Portland, Ore., native, he is interested in telling the stories that extend beyond the field or court.